The Core Classes

Language Arts

The language arts curriculum is aligned with the Core Grade Level Content Expectations written by the State of Michigan. The GLCES encompass four stands that are emphasized and assessed. They are:

Reading: word study, narrative test, informational text, comprehension, metacognition, critical standards, and reading attitude.

Writing: writing genres, writing process, personal style, grammar and usage, spelling, handwriting, and writing attitude.

Speaking: conventions and spoken discourse.

Listening and Viewing: conventions and responses.

Navigator students use three segments in the Renaissance Reading program to evaluate reading levels, promote reading practice, and evaluate literacy skill development. The STAR portion of the program allows the teacher to establish the student’s reading level. Once the reading level is established, the teacher assigns to the student a number of points which equates to a number of words the child should be independently reading to maintain and develop their reading skills. Points also equate to a number of ACCELERATED READER books the child will read. Selected books have been assigned points based on vocabulary and number of words. These two segments make up the reading practice portion of the Renaissance Reading. The third segment is the LITERACY SKILLS TEST. This element may be used by the teacher to evaluate the student’s strengths and weaknesses in advanced literacy skills such as author’s purpose, character’s rational, foreshadowing, and other literacy elements. This portion of the program is usually used by the teacher and students as they read and study a specially chosen class novel.

Science

The science program in fifth grade is a continuation of the K-12 Science Curriculum begun in the elementary schools. It emphasizes making observations, drawing conclusions, following the Scientific Method, and reading and writing in the area of science. Topics at this level include: Life Science: classification of all living things with emphasis on animals and plants, invertebrate structures: function and habitats, cells as the basis of life, and the nervous system; Physical Science - sound; Earth Science: the hydrosphere and weather. Fifth graders also focus on writing like scientists and interpreting charts, graphs, and data tables.

5th Grade Camp

The fifth grade camp experience provides opportunities for fifth grade students to learn and apply real life skills related to the curriculum. Activities that promote social skills, reinforce science, mathematics, and social studies concepts, and introduce healthy alternatives for free time make these three days an integral part of the curriculum.

Social Studies

This class provides many active experiences in the Social Studies strands of history, geography, economics, and civics. The study of American History from pre-Columbian to Westward Expansion is emphasized. Current events and persuasive writing on public issues are interwoven throughout the Social Studies strands. Core democratic values are intricately defined and applied to all focus areas.

Math

Fifth grade math curriculum uses the Investigations in Number, Data, and Space Program to develop math content as suggested by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. It provides opportunities for students to mathematically problem solve, logically reason, communicate verbally and in writing, make mathematical connections, and helps to develop all students’ number sense. Computation is stressed throughout the program following understanding of math concepts. The following units of study are stressed:

• Mathematical thinking at Grade 5 (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division computation strategies and estimation)
• Measurement Benchmarks (metric and standard measurement)
• Picturing Polygons (2-dimensional geometry)
• Building on Numbers You Know (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division computation and estimation strategies)
• Name that Portion (fractions, decimals, and percents)

Mastery of the basic computation facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) is a prerequisite for ultimate success in fifth grade math.

The Specials Classes: Grade 5

Specials for fifth graders are divided into semester classes; Subjects are vocal music, art and physical education. Students earn letter grades based on the mastery of the curriculum in each class.

Vocal Music

5th graders have vocal music class on alternate days for one semester. Students will learn to sing in unison, canon, and 2 or 3 part selections. They will sing in a wide variety of musical styles. Students will learn proper vocal technique and have the opportunity to sing by themselves or in small groups. They will continue to play the recorder, and provide more complex Orff and rhythm instrument as accompaniments. There will be a concert at the end of each session. This is a setting for students to demonstrate the techniques and skills they have mastered through particular pieces of music. It’s fun!

Art

5th graders have art class on alternate days for one semester. Through the use of visual images, different tools and materials (watercolors, clay, crayons, paper, tempera paint, computers, etc.) students will communicate their ideas about their school day, community, and societal issues. Students will be given an opportunity to use their thinking skills by solving visual problems and by answering the questions, “What is art? What is the role of art in daily life and in our community? What careers utilize design skills?” We will look and reflect upon the role the visual arts have played in human achievement in past and present cultures. Interdisciplinary links will be made between art, science, math, social studies and language arts. All classes will work on the Empty Bowls Community Service Project.

Physical Education

Fifth grade Physical Education provides students with a significant increase in class time from the fourth grade. Students will meet every other day for the entire year.

The class develops the knowledge, skills, fitness and attitudes necessary for each student to lead a healthy lifestyle. The class explores team and individual sports with emphasis on specific skills for each sport, fitness testing and team cooperation. Included are areas of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body awareness. There may be a swimming component in the class.

The structure of the class will change from that at the elementary. Students will be issued locks and lockers in the physical education locker room and will be required to have a change of appropriate clothing for class.

A more detailed description of the course, along with teacher expectations, will be provided at the beginning of the year.